How long does it take to complete the set-up of a Hong Kong limited Company?

In most cases, it takes about 6 - 8 working days to incorporate a company in Hong Kong. However, if you are located overseas, it may take longer due to the logistics of signing and couriering the relevant company formation documents.

Do we need to be present in Hong Kong during company formation process?

No, you don't need to be physically present at the time of company incorporation. Everthing can be done by email and courier. However, if your company needs a bank account in Hong Kong, you have to meet with the bankers personally in Hong Kong at the time of account opening.

A registration fee of HGD 1,720 is payable to the Companies Registry for incorporating a private limited company having share capital. Additionally, fees for obtaining a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Authority are currently as follows: HKD 250 for a 1 year Certificate and HKD 3,950 for a 3 year Certificate.

A company may be registered with an English name, a Chinese name, or an English and a Chinese name. A company name with a combination of English words/letters and Chinese characters is not allowed. An English company name must end with the word "Limited" and a Chinese company name must end with the Chinese characters equivalent of the word"limited".

A company may pass a Speical Resolution to change its name after incorporation. Government Form should be submitted together with the required fee to the Companies Registry within 15 days after the passing of the Special Resolution. The change of name will be effective from the date on which the Certificate of Change of Name is issued.

Is there any requirement on the amount of share capital and the minimum amount of paid-up capital on incorporation?

There is no prescribed requirement for a minimum amount of nominal share capital. A Hong Kong company limited by shares shall be formed by at least one shareholder taking at least one share of the company.

There is no requirement on the minimum amount of a company's paid-up capital under the Companies Ordinance.

Yes, a Hong Kong limited company must have at least one company secretary. The company secretary, if an individual, must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong; or if a body corporate, must have its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong. In case of a sole director/shareholder, the same person cannot act as the company secretary.

Can a non-HK resident act as a director, shareholder or company secretary of a Hong Kong limited company?

For a company director or shareholder, there is no need to be a HK resident. The director and the shareholder must be at least 18 years of age. Whereas for company secretary, appointing a local company secretary is mandatory. The company secretary, if an individual, must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong; or if a body corporate, must have its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong.

Is the information of director and shareholder of the company available publicly? What are the reporting requirements for director and shareholder of a Hong Kong limited company?

Yes. Information about company directors and shareholders is public information according to Hong Kong Company Ordinance. It is mandatory to file details of the company directors and shareholders with the Companies Registry when you incorporate a Hong Kong company.

What is Parking Service? How can I save money by using Parking Service for my company?

Our 'Company Parking Service' concept is based on the principle of "pay-as-you-use" the services. We understand that majority of our clients do not need the full scope of our company secretarial services throughout the year. For example, there may not be any changes of director or shareholder for the client's company during the year. Instead of paying an excessive engagement fee for services that may not require, we have designed our 'Parking Service' as the basic services required to maintain your company's registration status at a minimal cost paid on an annual basis.

Our parking services include provision of company secretary for registration purpose and provision of registered address. For other services, we will charge on a job-by-job basis when clients actually require such service (Please refer to our Fee Table for detail).

What is a registered office address? why I need a registered address for my company?

According to Hong Kong Company Ordinance, all Hong Kong registered companies are required to have a local HK address as the registered address of the company. It is the address of a company to which Companies Registry, Inland Revenue Department, government or other official letters and notices will be sent. The registered address must be a physical address and can not be a PO Box.

What can I do if I do not have a Hong Kong address as the registered address for my company?

AmPlus can provide your company with a local HK address for registration purpose. Our address will be filed at Companies Registry as your company's registered office address. We will receive all official mail and inform you to pick up or send the mail to you by courier at your expense. Or you could use our mail forwarding service to forward all mails (including bank & other correspondence) to any of your email account that you specify at a minimal fee (Please refer to our Parking Fee Table for detail).

If I do not submit any annual return, will the Companies Registry strike off / cancel / dissolve my company?

Hong Kong company which fails to file its annual return within the prescribed time period is in breach of the Companies Ordinance and is liable to prosecution. Any late filing will subject to penalty charge depending on the numbers of date over-due. The Registrar of Companies may consider taking strike-off action in appropriate cases.